Embracing Thirty: A Milestone Filled with Love, Laughter, and DIY Dreams
Many of you have been curious about my transition into my thirties, and while I’m usually knee-deep in a painting project (yes, a formerly untouched bathroom wall is now getting a fabulous new coat of paint – wahoo!), I felt it was the perfect time to share that Monday, my thirtieth birthday, was truly a wonderful day. So far, this new decade feels remarkably good, and honestly, I don’t feel a day over 29. My theory is that birthdays often feel like a gentle continuation rather than a dramatic shift; I wake up feeling the same as I did the morning before. In contrast, it’s often significant life events—like graduating college, getting married, or welcoming a baby—that truly make me *feel* older, marking profound changes in my identity and journey. For me, a birthday is simply a delightful occasion to indulge in an abundance of dessert, which I most certainly did this year. Allow me to walk you through the joyous play-by-play of my special day.
A Whimsical Morning Surprise
Waking up on my thirtieth birthday felt like stepping into a whimsical dream, as I discovered our kitchen transformed into a grand, beautifully wrapped present. It was an absolutely enchanting start to the day.
My thoughtful husband, John, had painstakingly strung ribbons throughout the space, creating what looked like the prettiest, most delicate spider web I had ever seen. The entire room shimmered with a festive glow, a testament to his creativity and affection.
He truly is an incredible man, isn’t he? I deeply appreciate a partner who isn’t afraid to embrace a little “birthday madness” with such flair and enthusiasm. His elaborate decoration set the perfect tone for a day dedicated to celebration and joy.
A Taste of Childhood Comfort: Pastina Perfection
Later, a delightful mid-day surprise awaited me. John had secretly picked up the ingredients for my favorite lunch: pastina. Although the box never explicitly labels it as such (perhaps it’s just what my Italian mom calls it!), this dish holds a special place in my heart. It’s essentially tiny little pasta stars that you cook and then lovingly enrich with butter, milk, and a touch of salt. Growing up, I would often eat it after school, and it always feels like a truly comforting treat when John remembers how much I adore it and surprises me with a bowl.
It was also the first time our daughter, Clara, had ever tasted pastina, and to my absolute delight, she LOVED it! Watching her little face light up with each spoonful was incredibly heartwarming. She truly is my girl, appreciating the simple, nostalgic comforts of life, just like her mom.
Dessert First: An Evening Out in Richmond
Despite the special occasion, we kept our work schedule relatively normal for most of the day. However, we made the conscious decision to unplug a few hours early – a rare luxury for us – at 5:30 PM! Our destination was Stonypoint, a beautiful outdoor walking mall here in Richmond. John, ever the insightful planner, reasoned that since we’re often too full after dinner to fully enjoy dessert, we should reverse the order and have dessert *before* our main meal, ensuring ample room for indulgence. His suggestion was incredibly cute, and he told me to pick any restaurant I desired. This immediately transformed into a delightful “dessert tour,” where we meticulously read every dessert menu in sight, searching for the most amazing and irresistible option.
Our quest ultimately led us to Champs, where we settled on an incredible trio of strawberry cheesecake, a rich brownie, and a wonderfully gooey cookie, all generously topped with warm caramel. The moment our desserts arrived, John and I burst out laughing simultaneously. We realized that the unique bowls they were served in bore an uncanny resemblance to the iconic swivel chairs from “The Voice.” And yes, I absolutely might have spun one around while playfully singing, “This is the voice!” The waiter might have even witnessed my impromptu performance. So, you’ll be pleased to know that entering a new decade hasn’t made me any more mature or any less prone to embarrassing moments. It was a pure moment of unadulterated joy and silliness, perfectly encapsulating the celebratory spirit of the day.
Inspiration and Sweet Melodies at Anthropologie
Of course, our leisurely stroll wouldn’t be complete without ducking into Anthropologie. This store is a treasure trove for me, not just for its unique products, but primarily for the sheer abundance of creative ideas woven into their captivating displays. I love to peruse their innovative arrangements, constantly drawing inspiration for our own DIY projects at home. For instance, notice the brilliant use of burlap upholstery webbing to create a beautifully woven wall behind Clara in the picture below – it’s details like these that truly spark my imagination.
But enough talk about the inspiring background elements. How utterly adorable is my little one in the foreground? I absolutely adore that girl. She made my birthday extra special by singing “Happy Birthday” to me at least seventeen times throughout the day, each rendition sweeter than the last. I even received some delightful encore presentations on Tuesday and Wednesday, which never failed to make me grin like a fool, reminding me of her boundless affection and innocent joy.
Thoughtful Gifts and Future Projects
Back home, the thoughtful surprises continued. Along with a heartfelt card filled with sweet sentiments from my hubby and adorable scribbles from our little bean, John gifted me a book called “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin. I’m already completely captivated by it. The very first chapter delves into the concept of paring down and decluttering, and I swear, it instantly made me want to drop the book and launch into an organization frenzy throughout our house! So, be forewarned: amidst our ongoing landscaping, bathroom renovation, and deck-building plans, there might soon be a new wave of cleaning, organizing, and basket-related madness sweeping through our home. This isn’t just a book; it’s a potential catalyst for a wave of organizational projects that might soon sweep through our home, offering new content and ideas for our blog.
He also found me this incredibly sweet ceramic elephant box. You know I can’t resist a good sale, so I might have slyly sent John the link with a suggestive wink and a mumbled hint about “someone’s birthday.” John also surprised me with a generous gift card for a massage at my favorite spa. He typically gets me one every Mother’s Day, and I must have raved about that annual tradition so much that it might have subtly transitioned into a semi-annual indulgence – wahoo! My body definitely still holds some knots from laying a bunch of cork flooring recently, so this massage will absolutely come in handy, offering a much-needed moment of relaxation and self-care amidst our endless DIY endeavors.
An Intimate Dinner and Reflections on Home
After we gently tucked Clara into bed, our evening culminated in a truly special dinner. Eschewing our usual post-DIY routine of flopping on the couch to size photos and write posts, John lovingly prepared my absolute favorite dinner: a chicken and leek stroganoff recipe from Jamie Oliver. I know it might not sound glamorous, but trust me, it is the most delicious thing ever – rich, creamy, and incredibly flavorful. We savored this wonderful meal outside on our patio, bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, accompanied by the gentle rustling of the wind through the trees, and, of course, the ever-present hum of the baby monitor we brought out with us. Haha. It was a perfect blend of romance and the beautiful reality of our family life, creating an intimate and unforgettable moment.
Over dinner, our conversation naturally drifted to our deep affection for our current home. We discussed whether we love it as much as our first house – that beloved initial home that felt like our first love, our first baby, and truly our everything for a very long time. It was the backdrop to our backyard wedding and the cherished place where we brought Clara home. The verdict: yes, absolutely… but it’s a tie. That first home will always hold an incredibly special place in our hearts. However, it genuinely surprised us to realize just how much our hearts swell with love and pride when we think about this house, too. Especially considering that it didn’t feel nearly as warm or cozy as our first home initially, but it most certainly does now. It’s a testament to the effort and love we’ve poured into transforming it into the warm, inviting sanctuary it is today.
This discussion was incredibly engaging because, as it often does at least once a week (haha), the conversation also turned to brainstorming all the exciting things we can’t wait to do with our home. I suppose we receive love by giving love, and talking about all the ways we want to show our house some affection fills us with immense excitement and deepens our love for it even more. It’s a perpetual dialogue about our home, the endless list of projects, and the dreams we weave for its future, which is, in itself, an act of love and a core part of our shared life.
Gratitude and Shared Adventures
All in all, it was an amazing thirtieth birthday, and I am profoundly thankful for so much. I love my husband, my daughter, and even our furry pooch, for making me feel so incredibly special. And to all of you who sent such sweet birthday wishes my way, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know I tend to get a bit mushy with you all, but you truly are the best. I am so happy to share our home, the milestone of my thirtieth birthday, and the ongoing, random little adventures of our DIY life with such a wonderful and supportive community. Here’s to many more years of shared stories, projects, and growth!
Psst- If you’re looking for more family milestones and fun, you can check out John’s big 3-0 here, Clara’s first birthday here, my last birthday here, and Clara singing her unique rendition of “Happy Birthday” here.